A Lot Of Exciting Changes To Look Forward To With Linux 6.20 — Or Linux 7.0

Linux 6.20/7.0 Merge Window: A Glimpse into the Future of the Kernel

As Linux 6.19 nears its release, the tech world is buzzing with anticipation for the next major kernel update. Linus Torvalds, the mastermind behind the Linux kernel, has a tradition of bumping the major version number after the X.19 release, which means we could be on the brink of Linux 7.0. This next iteration promises a slew of groundbreaking features and improvements, setting the stage for a more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly experience.

Here’s a deep dive into the most exciting changes and features expected to land in the Linux 6.20/7.0 merge window:

1. AMD Graphics Hardware Support

The next kernel will bring support for new AMD graphics hardware, including the GFX 12.1 IP blocks. This means better performance and compatibility for AMD GPU users, especially those with the latest hardware.

2. Compiler-Based Context and Locking Analysis

A new compiler-based tool will analyze context and locking mechanisms, helping developers identify and fix potential issues more efficiently. This could lead to more stable and secure kernel builds.

3. Microsoft “Turn On Display” ACPI DSM

This feature aims to address laptop display issues by enabling the Microsoft “Turn On Display” ACPI DSM. It’s a small but significant improvement for laptop users who often face display-related bugs.

4. Intel TSX Enabled by Default

Intel Transactional Synchronization Extensions (TSX) will be enabled by default on capable CPUs. This feature can boost performance in multi-threaded applications, though it’s carefully balanced to avoid security risks.

5. Custom Boot Logo

Say goodbye to the default Tux logo! The next kernel will allow users to easily set a custom boot logo during the boot process, adding a personal touch to the Linux experience.

6. Retiring HIPPI

HIPPI, a near-Gigabit networking standard for supercomputers from the 1990s, will be retired. This move reflects the kernel’s focus on modern, high-speed networking technologies.

7. Time Slice Extension

After a decade in development, the time slice extension is finally ready to be merged. This feature optimizes task scheduling, potentially improving system responsiveness and performance.

8. Revocable Resource Management

This feature allows for more flexible resource management, enabling better control over system resources and improving overall efficiency.

9. OPEN_TREE_NAMESPACE

A new security and performance enhancement for containers, OPEN_TREE_NAMESPACE will provide better isolation and resource management in containerized environments.

10. CAKE_MQ for Multi-Core Systems

The CAKE_MQ feature adapts SCH_CAKE for modern multi-core systems, optimizing network traffic management and improving performance in high-demand scenarios.

11. Replacing Linux Kernel Caching Code with Sheaves

The kernel will replace more caching code with Sheaves, a new caching mechanism that promises better performance and efficiency.

12. Focusing on Full and Lazy Preemption Models

The kernel will streamline its preemption models, focusing on full and lazy preemption for modern CPU architectures. This change aims to improve system responsiveness and reduce latency.

13. Apple Silicon DT Updates

Updates for Apple Silicon devices will include support for USB Type-C ports on recent Macs, enhancing compatibility and functionality for Apple users.

14. Rust and LTO Kernel Builds

Improvements for Rust and Link-Time Optimization (LTO) kernel builds will make the kernel more robust and efficient, leveraging the power of modern programming languages and optimization techniques.

15. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Display Support

The next kernel will support the display hardware in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, ensuring better performance and compatibility for high-end mobile devices.

16. Intel GPU Firmware Updates

Intel GPU firmware updates will extend to non-x86 platforms, broadening support for Intel graphics hardware across different architectures.

17. Expanded Temperature Reporting for Intel Graphics

Users will benefit from more detailed temperature reporting for Intel graphics cards, helping them monitor and manage their system’s thermal performance.

18. Intel Xe Driver D3cold Fixes

The Intel Xe driver will no longer block D3cold (a low-power state) for all Battlemage GPUs, but will limit the blocks to known problematic systems, such as the ASUS NUC.

19. Intel Multi-Device SVM Code

The multi-device SVM (Shared Virtual Memory) code for Intel GPUs is now ready for the next kernel, improving memory management and performance for multi-GPU setups.

20. Multi-Queue Support for Intel Crescent Island

Intel’s Crescent Island GPUs will gain multi-queue support, enhancing their ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

21. Intel Nova Lake Display Support

Support for Intel Nova Lake displays will be included, ensuring compatibility with the latest Intel hardware.

22. Non-Root Support for intel-speed-select

The intel-speed-select tool will gain non-root support, making it easier for users to manage CPU performance settings without administrative privileges.

23. Nouveau DRM Driver Fixes

The Nouveau DRM driver will fix large pages support, a feature that can significantly improve performance for NVIDIA users relying on open-source drivers.

24. cTGP Support for Uniwill Driver

Uniwill/TUXEDO laptops will gain support for configuring the total graphics power for devices with dedicated GPUs, offering more control over power management.

25. ASUS Desktop Motherboard Sensor Monitoring

Sensor monitoring support will be expanded to include more ASUS desktop motherboards, providing users with better insights into their system’s health.

26. Framework 13 Laptop Fan Control

The Framework 13 laptop will gain fan target and temperature threshold settings, allowing users to fine-tune their system’s cooling performance.

27. RISC-V User-Space Control Flow Integrity

RISC-V architectures will gain user-space control flow integrity and shadow stack support, enhancing security for RISC-V systems.

28. Batch I/O Dispatch for ublk

Batch I/O dispatch for ublk will improve performance by optimizing how input/output operations are handled.

29. IO_uring IOPOLL Polling Improvements

IO_uring IOPOLL polling will see improvements, making asynchronous I/O operations more efficient and responsive.

30. LG Gram Style 14 Laptop Speaker Support

The LG Gram Style 14 laptop will gain speaker support, ensuring better audio performance for this popular ultrabook.

31. Dropping Old Mount API Code

The old mount API code for the Linux block code will be dropped, streamlining the kernel and reducing maintenance overhead.

32. Focusrite Forte USB Audio Interface Support

The Focusrite Forte USB audio interface will gain support, expanding the kernel’s compatibility with professional audio hardware.

This is just a snapshot of the exciting changes on the horizon. Stay tuned for more coverage as the Linux 6.20/7.0 merge window unfolds over the next two weeks. The next kernel version is also what Canonical intends to use as the default kernel for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, making it a significant milestone for the Linux ecosystem.

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Tags: #LinuxKernel #Linux7.0 #TechNews #OpenSource #KernelUpdate #AMD #Intel #RISC-V #Ubuntu #Canonical #Phoronix #LinusTorvalds #Graphics #Performance #Security #Containers #Networking #HardwareSupport

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